Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract from Prosopis Farcta Leaves on Liver Injury Caused by High-fat Diet in Rats / Efecto del extracto hidro-alcohólico de las hojas de Prosopis Farcta en la lesión hepática causada en ratas por una dieta rica en grasas

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Prosopis farcta (P farcta) leaves on high fat diet-fed (HFDF) rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups - group 1: normal control group; group 2: untreated control group, fed a high-fat diet; group 3: hyperlipidaemic + P farcta (500 mg/kg orally per day); and group 4: hyperlipidaemic + simvastatin (1.0 mg/kg). All groups were treated for 30 days. Liver enzymes, levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation and liver histopathology were assessed. Results: Prosopis farcta extract reduced the elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and body weight. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were reduced in the HFDF animals, whose levels were increased statistically significantly by extract of P farcta leaves. The statistically significant increases in liver malondialdehyde in HFDF rats were reduced after treatment with P farcta. Histopathological findings also revealed positive effects of the extract. Conclusion: These results indicate the lipid-lowering and antioxidative activity of extract of P farcta leaves.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar los efectos hepatoprotectores y antioxidantes del extracto hidroalcohólico de las hojas de Prosopis farcta (P farcta) en ratas alimentadas con dieta rica en grasas (ADRG). Métodos: En este estudio experimental, 40 ratas macho Wistar se dividieron en cuatro grupos - Grupo 1: Grupo de control normal; Grupo 2: Grupo de control no tratado, alimentado con una dieta alta en grasas; Grupo 3: hiperlipidémico + P farcta (500 mg/kg por vía oral por día); y Grupo 4: hiperlipidémico + simvastatina (1.0 mg/kg). Todos los grupos fueron tratados durante 30 días. Se evaluaron las enzimas hepáticas, los niveles de colesterol total, los triglicéridos, la lipoproteína de baja densidad (LBD), la lipoproteína de alta densidad (LAD), el nitrógeno ureico y la creatinina en sangre, la actividad enzimática antioxidante, la peroxidación lipídica, y la histopatología hepática. Resultados: El extracto de Prosopis farcta redujo los niveles elevados de colesterol total, los triglicéridos, la LBD, y el peso corporal. La actividad de la catalasa y el superóxido dismutasa se redujo en los animales ADRG, cuyos niveles se incrementaron estadísticamente en grado significativo mediante el extracto de hoja de P farcta. Los aumentos estadísticamente significativos en el malondialdehído hepático en ratas ADRG, disminuyeron después del tratamiento con P farcta. Los hallazgos histopatológicos también revelaron efectos positivos del extracto. Conclusión: Estos resultados indican la actividad de reducción de lípidos y la actividad anti-oxidantes del extracto de las hojas de P farcta.

Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn) peel flour: effects on hepatoprotection and dyslipidemia induced by a hypercholesterolemic diet

ABSTRACT Dyslipidemias are associated with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and hepatic steatosis, being the cause of morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the effects of lychee peel flour (PF) on serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triacylglycerols (TAG) and various parameters related to obesity, in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. Therefore, 20 male rats were used. In the first 21 days, the animals were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet, except for control group. In the following 21 days, their diets were modified, and they received a standard diet (Control); hypercholesterolemic (Hyper); hypercholesterolemic + 5% PF (PF5) and hypercholesterolemic + 10% PF (PF10). The results revealed that PF intake attenuated weight gain, reduced body mass index, glucose and the levels of TAG, TC, LDL-c, hepatic enzymes and leptin, besides the percentage of hepatic lipids, liver lipid peroxidation and frequency of severe steatosis. Histological studies of the aorta did not show the formation of the atheromatous plaque. These results reinforce its potential to reduce the risk of diseases associated with obesity.

Experimental model of hepatic steatosis by fructose in adult zebrafish: a pilot study

Introduction: The consumption of fructose has been questioned, since its increase has led to an associated increase in steatosis caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Despite the advantages presented by the zebrafish as an animal model, at present there are no models of steatosis by fructose in adult zebrafish. The aim of this study is to establish a model of hepatic steatosis by fructose in adult zebrafish. Methods: Firstly, adult zebrafish were daily exposed to 4% or 6% fructose. Then, animals were exposed to 6% fructose every 2 days. The hepatic lipid accumulation was analyzed by Nile Red and Oil Red O staining. Results: The daily exposure to 6% fructose showed increased accumulation of hepatic lipids when compared to 4% and control groups, but the same concentration showed no difference when the exposure happened every 2 days. Conclusion: We can suggest the daily exposure to a concentration of 6% fructose can be considered as a new experimental model of adult zebrafish. (AU)

Treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) aqueous solution prevents hepatic redox imbalance, elevated triglycerides, and microsteatosis in overweight adult rats that were precociously weaned

Early weaning (EW) leads to overweight, visceral obesity, hyperleptinemia, and insulin resistance in adulthood. Treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) improves obesity and insulin resistance in these animals. Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic treatment with yerba mate on the redox balance and liver morphology of overweight early-weaned rats. To induce EW, we wrapped the dams with bandages to interrupt milk access during the last 3 days of lactation. Control pups (C) had free access to maternal milk for the full 21 days of lactation. On postnatal day (PN) 150, EW offspring were subdivided into the EW+YM group, which received the aqueous extract of yerba mate (1 g/kg bw by gavage once a day for 30 days) and the EW group, which received water by gavage for the same period. All rats were euthanized on PN180. The EW group showed higher bound carbonyl (a marker of total protein oxidation), higher TBARS levels (a marker of lipid peroxidation), and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue than the C group, as well as higher triglyceride content and microsteatosis. In plasma, the EW offspring showed higher TBARS levels. One month of yerba mate treatment normalized these parameters. Thus, we have shown evidence that yerba mate improved antioxidant defenses and mitigated liver dysfunction in overweight adult rats that were weaned prematurely.

α-Linolenic acid prevents hepatic steatosis and improves glucose tolerance in mice fed a high-fat diet

OBJECTIVES: Dietary omega-3 fatty acids have been efficacious in decreasing serum cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the metabolic and molecular changes induced by the omega-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in linseed oil, are not fully understood. In this study, we showed a correlation between ALA and insulin resistance, inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). METHODS: We studied 40 male mice (C57/BL6) divided into 4 groups: a control (C) group, a control + omega-3/ALA (CA) group, a high-fat diet (HFD) (H) group and a high-fat diet + omega-3/ALA (HA) group. For 8 weeks, the animals in the H and HA groups were fed a high-fat (60%) diet, while the animals in the C and CA groups received regular chow. The diets of the CA and HA groups were supplemented with 10% lyophilized ALA. RESULTS: ALA supplementation improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance, as measured by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, respectively. In addition, ALA reduced hepatic steatosis and modified the standard fat concentration in the liver of animals fed an HFD. Dietary ALA supplementation reduced the serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), increased the expression of important chaperones such as binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and reduced the expression of C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in hepatic tissues, suggesting an ERS adaptation in response to ALA supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary ALA supplementation is effective in preventing hepatic steatosis; is associated with a reduction in insulin resistance, inflammation and ERS; and represents an alternative for improving liver function and obtaining metabolic benefits.

Liver metabolic changes induced by conjugated linoleic acid in calorie-restricted rats

ABSTRACT Objective Complexes like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduce the percentage of body fat by increasing energy expenditure, fat oxidation, or both. The aim of this study was to verify if CLA is able to mimic caloric restriction (CR), and determine the effects of CLA on liver metabolic profile of young adult male Wistar rats. Materials and methods We divided 36 animals into the following groups: 1) Control; 2) CLA (1% of daily food intake, 21 days, orogastric intubation); 3) Restr (fed 60% of the diet offered to controls); and 4) CLA Restr. Liver tissues were processed for biochemical and molecular or mitochondrial isolation (differential centrifugation) and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Results Treatment of the animals for 21 days with 1% CLA alone or combined with CR increased liver weight and respiration rates of liver mitochondria suggesting significant mitochondrial uncoupling. We observed a decrease in adipose tissue leading to insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hepatic steatosis due to increased liver cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, but no significant effects on body mass. The expression of hepatic cellular connexins (43 and 26) was significantly higher in the CLA group compared with the Control or Restr groups. Conclusion CLA does not seem to be a safe compound to induce mass loss because it upregulates the mRNA expression of connexins and induces hepatic mitochondrial changes and lipids disorders.

Effect of concurrent training on risk factors and hepatic steatosis in obese adolescents / Efecto del entrenamiento concurrente sobre factores de riesgo y esteatosis hepatica en adolescentes obesos / Efeito do treinamento concorrente sobre fatores de risco e esteatose hepatica em adolescentes obesos

OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of a 20-week concurrent training on the variables of body composition, lipid profile, and fatty liver diagnosis in obese adolescents. METHODS An open clinical trial was carried out with 34 obese adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years. Total body fat, trunk fat mass, total cholesterol and its fractions (HDL, LDL and VLDL), and triglycerides were analyzed; an upper abdominal ultrasound was performed in order to diagnose fatty liver. The participants underwent concurrent training (association of weight training with aerobic training) three times per week, lasting one hour for 20 weeks. Statistical analysis included paired Studentâ€(tm)s t-test and frequency analysis in order to verify the relative and absolute reductions of fatty liver diagnosis, being significant p<0.05. RESULTS The studied adolescents showed statistically significant improvement in body composition, with a decrease of total body fat percentage, total fat mass, trunk fat, and an a increase in the lean body mass. They also presented reduced size of liver lobes, decrease in total cholesterol and in LDL-cholesterol, with a lower prevalence of fatty liver. CONCLUSIONS The concurrent training was effective for promoting significant improvements in body fat composition and lipid profile variables, besides reducing fatty liver prevalence rate. .

OBJETIVO Analizar los efectos de 20 semanas de entrenamiento concurrente sobre las variables de composición corporal, perfil lipídico y diagnóstico de la esteatosis hepática en adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS Se realizó un ensayo clínico abierto con 34 adolescentes obesos con edades entre los 12 y los 15 años (13,7±1,17). Se analizaron grasa corporal total y de tronco, colesterol total y sus fracciones (HDL, LDL y VLDL) y triglicéridos, siendo realizado examen de ultrasonografía abdominal superior para diagnosticar esteatosis hepática. Los participantes fueron sometidos al entrenamiento concurrente (asociación de entrenamiento con pesos y ejercicio aeróbico) tres veces por semana, con duración de una hora clase durante 20 semanas. Para el tratamiento estadístico, se realizaron análisis descriptivo, prueba t de Student pareada y análisis de frecuencia, a fin de verificar las reducciones relativa y absoluta del diagnóstico de la esteatosis hepática, adoptando p<0,05. RESULTADOS Los adolescentes estudiados presentaron mejoras significativas de la composición corporal, con reducción del porcentaje de grasa total, de la masa gorda total, de la grasa de tronco y del aumento de masa magra, además de reducción del tamaño de los lóbulos del hígado, de los índices de prevalencia de la esteatosis hepática, del colesterol total y del LDL-colesterol. CONCLUSIONES El entrenamiento concurrente fue efectivo por promover mejorías significativas de variables de la composición corporal y del perfil lipídico, además de reducir la prevalencia de la esteatosis hepática. .

OBJETIVO Analisar os efeitos de 20 semanas de treinamento concorrente sobre as variáveis de composição corporal, perfil lipídico e diagnóstico da esteatose hepática em adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS Realizou-se um ensaio clínico aberto com 34 adolescentes obesos com idades entre 12 e 15 anos. Foram analisados gordura corporal total e de tronco, colesterol total e suas frações (HDL, LDL e VLDL) e triglicérides, sendo realizado exame de ultrassonografia de abdome superior para diagnosticar esteatose hepática. Os participantes foram submetidos ao treinamento concorrente (associação de treino com pesos e exercício aeróbio) três vezes por semana, com duração de uma hora-aula durante 20 semanas. Para o tratamento estatístico, foram realizados o teste t de Student pareado e a análise de frequência, a fim de verificar as reduções relativa e absoluta do diagnóstico da esteatose hepática, adotando-se p<0,05. RESULTADOS Os adolescentes estudados apresentaram melhoras significativas da composição corporal, com diminuição do percentual de gordura total, da massa gorda total, da gordura de tronco e do aumento da massa magra, além de redução do tamanho dos lóbulos do fígado, dos índices de prevalência da esteatose hepática, do colesterol total e LDL-colesterol. CONCLUSÕES O treinamento concorrente foi efetivo por promover melhorias significativas de variáveis da composição corporal e do perfil lipídico, além de reduzir a prevalência da esteatose hepática. .

Prevention of liver steatosis through fish oil supplementation: correlation of oxidative stress with insulin resistance and liver fatty acid content / Prevención de la esteatosis hepática mediante suplementación con aceite de pescado: correlación de los niveles hepáticos de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados con el estrés oxidativo y la resistencia a la insulina

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is triggered by a nutritional-metabolic alteration characterized by triacylglicerides acumulation, insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress and depletion of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The n-3 PUFA, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, would be hepatoprotective against the development of NAFLD by stimulating lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis. So, fish oil supplementation (EPA + DHA) prevents HFDinduced NAFLD. In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between liver oxidative stress with IR and levels of PUFA in supplemented mice. Male mice C57BL/6J (n=9) were fed for 12th week: a) control diet (20% protein, 70% carbohydrate, 10% lipids), b) control diet and fish oil supplementation (200 mg EPA+DHA/kg/day), c) high fat diet (20% protein, 20% carbohydrate, 60% lipids), and d) high fat diet and fish oil supplementation. Liver steatosis (histology), insulin resistance (HOMA), liver oxidative stress (GSH/GSSG, carbonyl protein and 8-isoprostanes) and liver fatty acid content were evaluated. The significant decrease in liver oxidative stress parameters (p<0.05, ANOVA followed by Newman Keuls test) were correlated (Pearson test) with HOMA and levels of PUFA, along with the hepatoprotection observed. It concludes that prevention of NAFLD by supplementation with fish oil (EPA+DHA) is dependent of the prevention of liver oxidative stress, IR and PUFA depletion.

La enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólica (EHGNA) está provocada por una alteración metabólico- nutricional caracterizada por la acumulación de triacilglicéridos, resistencia a la insulina, estrés oxidativo y disminución de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (AGPI). Los AGPI ω-3, como los ácidos eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA), serían hepatoprotectores contra la EHGNA al estimular la lipolisis e inhibir la lipogénesis hepática. La suplementación con aceite de pescado (EPA + DHA) previene la esteatosis hepática inducida por una dieta alta en grasas. En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la correlación entre el estrés oxidativo hepático, la resistencia a la insulina y los niveles de AGPI ω-3 en ratones suplementados. Ratones machos C57BL/6J (n=9) alimentados durante 12 semanas con: a) dieta control (20% proteína, 70% hidratos de carbono, 10% lípidos), b) dieta control y suplementación con 200 mg de EPA+DHA/kg/día, c) dieta alta en grasa (20% proteína, 20% hidratos de carbono, 60% lípidos), y d) dieta alta en grasas más EPA+DHA. Se evaluaron la esteatosis hepática (histología), resistencia a la insulina (HOMA), estrés oxidativo hepático (GSH/GSSG, proteínas carboniladas y 8-isoprostanos) y el contenido de ácidos grasos hepáticos. La disminución significativa en los parámetros hepáticos de estrés oxidativo (p <0,05, ANOVA seguido de Newman-Keuls) se correlacionó positivamente (test de Pearson) con el HOMA y los niveles de AGPI ω-3, junto con la hepatoprotección observada. Se concluye que la prevención de EHGNA por suplementación con EPA+DHA, se acompaña de una correlación inversa entre el estrés oxidativo y la resistencia a la insulina y la disminución de AGPI ω-3 hepáticos.

Effect of silybin on high-fat-induced fatty liver in rats

Silybin, a natural antioxidant, has been traditionally used against a variety of liver ailments. To investigate its effect and the underlying mechanisms of action on non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats, we used 60 4-6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats to establish fatty liver models by feeding a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Hepatic enzyme, serum lipid levels, oxidative production, mitochondrial membrane fluidity, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), gene and protein expression of adiponectin, and resistin were evaluated by biochemical, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Compared with the model group, silybin treatment (26.25 mg·kg-1·day-1, started at the beginning of the protocol) significantly protected against high-fat-induced fatty liver by stabilizing mitochondrial membrane fluidity, reducing serum content of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from 450 to 304 U/L, decreasing hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) from 1.24 to 0.93 nmol/mg protein, but increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels from 8.03 to 9.31 U/mg protein and from 3.65 to 4.52 nmol/mg protein, respectively. Moreover, silybin enhanced the gene and protein expression of adiponectin from 215.95 to 552.40, but inhibited that of resistin from 0.118 to 0.018. Compared to rosiglitazone (0.5 mg·kg-1·day-1, started at the beginning of the protocol), silybin was effective in stabilizing mitochondrial membrane fluidity, reducing SOD as well as ALT, and regulating gene and protein expression of adiponectin (P < 0.05). These results suggest that mitochondrial membrane stabilization, oxidative stress inhibition, as well as improved insulin resistance, may be the essential mechanisms for the hepatoprotective effect of silybin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. Silybin was more effective than rosiglitazone in terms of maintaining mitochondrial membrane fluidity and reducing oxidative stress.

Preventive role of fresh garlic on high-fat diet induced fatty liver in albino rats

Obesity has become a worldwide problem due to westernization of diet, even in developing countries leading to consumption of high-fat diet. One of the most common diseases resulting from use of high-fat diet is fatty liver. Garlic is one of the oldest herbs used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. So the present study was undertaken to observe the protective role of fresh garlic on high-fat diet induced fatty liver in albino rats and correlate the results with previous studies. Thirty adult albino rats, weighing from 200-240 gram were taken for this study. The rats were divided into 3 groups according to dietary regimen, Group A received control diet, Group B received high- fat diet [20 ml corn oil in 100 gm of diet] and Group C received high-unsaturated fat diet with fresh garlic [20 ml corn oil with 6 gm fresh garlic in 100 gm of diet], for 8 weeks at the end of which they were sacrificed and tissue slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin. There was marked increase in weights in rats receiving high fat diet. Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections showed moderate fatty infiltration with empty spaces in hepatocytes with absent or pyknotic nuclei in high-fat group which were preserved to a great extent in group receiving fresh garlic along with high-fat diet. This study has proved that use of fresh garlic along with high-fat diet prevents its damaging effects in liver to a great extent

Beneficial effects of exercise training (treadmill) on insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice

C57BL/6 mice develop signs and symptoms comparable, in part, to the human metabolic syndrome. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile, visceral adiposity, pancreatic islet alterations, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were fed one of two diets during an 8-week period: standard (SC, N = 12) or very high-fat (HF, N = 24) chow. An exercise training protocol (treadmill) was then established and mice were divided into SC and HF sedentary (SC-Sed, HF-Sed), exercised groups (SC-Ex, HF-Ex), or switched from HF to SC (HF/SC-Sed and HF/SC-Ex). HF/HF-Sed mice had the greatest body mass (65 percent more than SC/SC-Sed; P < 0.0001), and exercise reduced it by 23 percent (P < 0.0001). Hepatic enzymes ALP (+80 percent), ALT (+100 percent) and AST (+70 percent) were higher in HF/HF mice than in matched SC/SC. Plasma insulin was higher in both the HF/HF-Sed and HF/SC-Sed groups than in the matched exercised groups (+85 percent; P < 0.001). Pancreatic islets, adipocytes and liver structure were greatly affected by HF, ultimately resulting in islet â-cell hypertrophy and severe liver steatosis. The HF group had larger islets than the SC/SC group (+220 percent; P < 0.0001), and exercise significantly reduced liver steatosis and islet size in HF. Exercise attenuated all the changes due to HF, and the effects were more pronounced in exercised mice switched from an HF to an SC diet. Exercise improved the lipid profile by reducing body weight gain, visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, islet alterations, and fatty liver, contributing to obesity and steatohepatitis control.

The vitamin E reduces liver lipoperoxidation and fibrosis in a model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis / A vitamina E reduz a lipoperoxidação hepática e a fibrose em modelo experimental de esteatohepatite não-alcoólica

CONTEXT: No effective treatment is available for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in nowadays. OBJECTIVES: To develop a model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a methionine and choline deficient diet, as well as to evaluate the role of metformin, vitamin E and simvastatin in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progression. METHODS: The study analyzed prospectively 50 Wistar rats for a 90-day period and divided them into five groups of 10 rats. One group was given standard rat diet and the others received the methionine and choline deficient diet. Among the four groups that received this diet, one received saline 0,9 percent and the others received metformin, vitamin E or simvastatin. After the study period, the animals were sacrificed and their blood was collected for biochemical analysis. The livers were removed for lipoperoxidation analysis and for the histological examinations. RESULTS: The methionine and choline deficient diet was able to induce steatosis in 100 percent of the animals and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in 27 (69.2 percent). The alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the simvastatin group. The aspartate aminotransferase levels were also higher in the simvastatin group, but were statistically significant only in relation to the standard diet group. When lipoperoxidation values were compared, the groups that received standard rat diet and methionine and choline deficient with vitamin E presented significantly lower rates than the others. The presence of fibrosis was significantly smaller in the group receiving vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: The diet used was able to induce steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Besides vitamin E showed to reduce the liver oxidative stress, as well as the fibrosis development

CONTEXTO: Ainda não há um tratamento comprovadamente eficaz para a esteatohepatite não-alcoólica. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um modelo experimental de esteatohepatite não-alcoólica induzida por dieta deficiente em metionina e colina, bem como avaliar o papel do metformina, da vitamina E e da sinvastatina na evolução da esteatohepatite não-alcoólica. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados prospectivamente 50 ratos da linhagem Wistar, por um período de 90 dias, sendo os mesmos divididos em cinco grupos de 10 ratos. Um grupo recebeu ração convencional e os demais a dieta deficiente em metionina e colina. Dentre os quatro grupos que receberam a dieta, para um foi administrado soro fisiológico e para os demais o metformina, a vitamina E e a sinvastatina. Após o período de estudo os animais foram mortos, sendo colhido sangue para análise bioquímica e removido o fígado para análise da lipoperoxidação através do teste de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico e para a realização dos exames histológicos. RESULTADOS: A dieta deficiente em metionina e colina foi capaz de induzir esteatose em 100 por cento dos animais enquanto que esteatohepatite não-alcoólica foi diagnosticada em 27 (69,2 por cento). Os níveis da ALT foram significativamente maiores no grupo da sinvastatina. Os níveis de AST também foram maiores no grupo da sinvastatina, mas apenas foram estatisticamente significantes em relação ao grupo da ração. Quando se compararam os valores de lipoperoxidação, os grupos da ração convencional e da vitamina E apresentaram índices significativamente menores que os demais. A presença de fibrose foi significativamente menor no grupo que recebeu a vitamina E. CONCLUSÕES: A dieta utilizada foi capaz de induzir esteatose e esteatohepatite não-alcoólica, sendo que a vitamina E demonstrou reduzir o estresse oxidativo hepático, bem como o desenvolvimento de fibrose

Efeito hepatoprotetor do consumo crônico de dieptanoína e trieptanoína contra a esteatose em ratos / Hepatoprotective effect of diheptanoin and tritreptanoin chronic consumption against steatosis in rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do consumo crônico de di e trieptanoínas sobre a esteatose hepática (EH) em ratos. METODOLOGIA: Ratos Wistar submetidos à dieta AIN-93 com 0 por cento, 30 por cento ou 50 por cento de substituição do óleo por óleo rico em di e trieptanoína, grupos TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 e TAGC(7)50, respectivamente, por nove meses. O grupo-controle recebeu ração Labina®. Analisaram-se histologia e provas de função e lesão hepática, glicemia e perfil lipídico sérico. Realizaram-se análise de variância, teste F, teste de Dunnet e análises de regressão uni e multivariadas (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 e TAGC(7)50 desenvolveram EH; 80 por cento de casos graves no TAGC(7)0 contra 40 por cento no TAGC(7)50. Os pesos absoluto (PAF) e relativo do fígado (PRF) foram maiores em TAGC(7)0 e TAGC(7)30 e a glicemia foi maior em TAGC(7)30 e TAGC(7)50, que no grupo-controle. Colesterol total, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c e proteínas totais foram maiores no grupo-controle. O óleo experimental reduziu o PRF e determinou tendência de redução do peso corporal, PAF, percentual de lipídios hepáticos e graus de EH (GHE). As variáveis explicativas para GHE foram peso final, glicemia, albumina, HDL-c, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, VLDL-c e fosfatase alcalina. CONCLUSÕES: Sugere-se que di e trieptanoínas exerçam efeito hepatoprotetor contra a EH, em ratos, em uma feição dose-dependente.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of chronic consumption of di- and triheptanoin on hepatic steatosis (HS) in rats. METHODOLOGY: Wistar rats were submitted to a diet AIN-93 with 0, 30 or 50 percent of its oil substituted with an oil rich in di- and triheptanoin, groups TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 and TAGC(7)50 respectively, for nine months. The control group received Labina®. Liver histology, hepatic lesion and function proofs, glycemia and lipid profile, were performed. Variance analyses, F-test, Dunnet´s test and uni- and multivariate regression analyses were performed (p<0.05). RESULTS: TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 and TAGC(7)50 developed HS; 80 percent of severe cases in TAGC(7)0, as against 40 percent in TAGC(7)50. The absolute (ALW) and relative (RLW) liver weights were higher in TAGC(7)0 and TAGC(7)30, and glycemia was greater in TAGC(7)30 and TAGC(7)50, than in the Control. Total cholesterol, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c and total proteins were higher in the Control. The experimental oil reduced RLW and showed a tendency in the reduction of body weight, ALW, percentage of hepatic lipids and the severity of HS. The explanatory variables in relation to HS were final weight, glycemia, albumin, HDL-c, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, VLDL-c and alkaline phosphatase. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that di- and triheptanoin have a hepatoprotector effect against HS, in rats, in a dose-dependant manner.

Effect of cocaine intake on the development of fatty liver in rats fed a low-protein diet

Se ha demostrado que la cocaína que se administra oralmente con la dieta es capaz de reducir los niveles de acumulación de grasa hepática en ratas con malnutrición proteínica (Arch. Latinoamer. Nutr. 19: 69-79, 1969). Por consiguiente, el presente estudio fue siseñado por tratar de determinar la acción d ela droga sobre el proceso (aumento de la síntesis de triglicéridos en el hígado y capacidad normal o disminuida por liberar estos triglicéridos al plasma) que induce la acumulación de grasa en el hígado bajo esta condición fisiológica. Para lograr este propósito, se determinó lípides totales y fraccionados en el hígado, y lípidos totales, así como liproteínas en el suero de ratas Wistar hembra (120-130 g) alimentadas con cada una de las dos dietas siguientes: una con 5% de proteína dee maíz, y la otra, con 20% de caseína sin y con cocaína (15 mg HCl cocaína/10 g de dieta) durante 18 días. Además de confirmar el hallazgo previo de reducción (P <0.001) del valor de grasa acumulada en el hígado de las ratas integrantes del grupo con malnutrición proteínica, que recibieron la dieta con 5% de proteína de máiz más cocaína, los resultados tambien muestran que esta droga disminuye la concentración de triglicéridos (significativamente, P < 0.001, cuando el resultado se obtiene por cálculo y, ligeramente, cuando este resultado se obtiene experimentalmente) en el tejido hepático, y aumenta los niveles de lípidos totales (P < 0.05) y de la lipoproteína pr-beta rica en triglicéridos en el suero de estos animales (P < 0.10). Por otro lado, estos parámetros no fueron modificados por la cocaína en el grupo de ratas alimentadas con caseína al 20%, excepto en lo concerniente al colesterol hepático total y a la lipoproteína beta, rica en colesterol, en el suero. Estos valores fueron ligera y significativamente (P < 0.001) reducidos por la droga, respectivamente. Las evidencias en cuestión y sus significancias estadísticas sugieren que la cocaína administrada en forma crónica con la dieta de proteína de maíz...

Effect of 'Arogyavardhini' against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in albino rats.

'Arogyavardhini'-an indigenous formulation was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity in rats, using two models of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatic damage, one simulating vital hepatitis and the other simulating fatty change. The protective effect was assessed from serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase levels and from histopathological changes in liver. The results revealed that 'Arogyavardhini' (5 mg/100g, PO daily) was effective in minimizing the changes in serum levels of AST and alkaline phosphatase induced by CCI. The protective effect was also evident on histopathological examination.